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Stefan Popov, has established an international reputation for performances of deep musical sensitivity combined with an apparently effortless virtuoso technique. He has many times been a prizewinner in competitions, including Moscow, Geneva, Vienna, and Florence. In 1966 he won a prize in the Tchaikovsky International Cello Competition and was also awarded an Exceptional Medal from the Union of Soviet Composers.
He regularly performs and gives masterclasses in conservatoires throughout the world, and is on the panel of several international juries. Now one of the most widely acclaimed professors in London, he combines his busy career as a performer with teaching at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and holds the post of cellist-in-residence at the City University. In 1981, he was awarded an honorary degree at the Guildhall School of Music.
Born in Bulgaria in 1940, he developed an interest in music from an early age. As a result of his exceptional progress, he entered a special music boarding school for very talented children where he studied with Kyril Vaporjiev. His debut at the age of 15 aroused great interest. One of his most distinguished supports, the great Russian composer, Dmitry Kabalevsky wrote, “I was elated to become acquainted with this gifted boy. He possesses all the qualities necessary to become a great cellist.”
Soon after that, he won a government scholarship and entered the Moscow conservatoire. His professors were the most distinguished Russian cellists, Knushevitsky and Rostropovich. Stefan Popov graduated with honors and the special gold medal.
His career subsequently developed very rapidly, both as a performer and as a teacher. He was invited to become professor at Boston University in the USA and later Head of the Cello Department at the New England Conservatoire. In 1977 he was invited to come to England where his career is now based.
His repertoire includes all the major works for cello from the Baroque period to the present day. Stefan Popov has played with many leading orchestras and distinguished conductors. Many composers have dedicated their works to him and he has given their first performances.
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